Chapter 53

The ride home was silent as Mai pondered over the Masako's warning. Lin offered to drop them off at the apartment, which they both obliged. Seated behind Lin she noted the police escort trailing not too far behind in the rearview mirror. It was an unfortunate reality she'd been contending with for a while. Luckily, even with the trial was underway, she didn't have to be present at the arraignment of Byakuya Hidoi. Her case had become so publicized they'd have to wait a month minimum before additional court proceedings began. At the same time, Mai hated waiting. She just wanted it all to be over with and firmly behind her.

Now Masako's words were an added weight Mai definitely hadn't battled mentally with her trust in Naru and the darker side of the psychic research. With such risks, what would be the point in testing her abilities? Especially if it left her exposed to more danger, something she was finally trying to avoid.

Naru noted the heavy cloud over the petite brunette growing larger as the night went on. He was accustomed to her cycle of recovery from sad to angry to determined. However, as of late, Mai swayed between melancholy and quiet irritation in an unrelenting cycle.

As soon as they entered the apartment Mai retreated to her room and fell onto her mattress loudly. Naru placed her gifts and other mementos from the days festivities onto the counter, then turned on the tea kettle.

'Mai seemed quite pleased at the start of the party. I wonder what could have changed in the last hour to change that so drastically.' Naru ran through each of the possibilities for Mai's foul mood and results were numerous enough to be inconclusive.

He made quick work of making two cups of tea and ushering them to the girl lying face down on her bed. Naru placed the porcelain on her side table making Mai aware of his presence, jumping up in surprise.

"You should knock before coming into a ladies room." Mai mumbled, her toned vexed.

"You left the door wide open idiot." Naru replied dryly as he offered Mai a cup, which she irritatedly obliged. He sat beside her on the bed and couldn't help the way his eyes danced over her figure. Her kimono was loosened enough to reveal her delicate neckline and cleavage. Not to mention how beautiful she looked in the entire ensemble. It was rare that Mai would dress up and even more rare that she'd wear makeup unless to cover up some unfortunate occurrence. Naru would have been remiss if he didn't take it all in.

"You seem...quiet." Naru baited. He wanted to divulge what was currently swirling behind those honey-colored pools. Mai considered being dismissive, but she needed answers.

"Naru... what do you like about psychic research?" Mai started. Naru could sense that this was the precursor to a deeper question, but obliged nonetheless.

"It started out as a necessity for me to understand my powers. After the Davis' adopted Eugene and myself, overtime it became something that connected us. Now, I've turned something that I'm passionate about into a career." Naru replied and Mai nodded in response. Never had Mai aligned the phrase 'passionate' with her boss. Mostly because the connotation of the word to her meant emotive and outwardly enthralled. Upon re-evaluation, Naru was extremely passionate about his work, but his passion took the form of quiet intensity. An intensity she'd felt from him on many occasions, but more aptly described it as 'just Naru'.

"I see." She remarked and sipped her tea again as they fell back into silence.

"What do you really want to ask me, Mai?" Naru cut through the fog. Mai hesitated for a moment before setting her tea back down onto the dresser.

"Masako told me to be cautious in England. That I may come across some scientists with ill intentions. It worried me." Mai iterated cautiously.

Naru hummed in response processing her concerns. He knew Masako was correct in her precautions. Naru did have intentions of breaching the topic but wanted to be sure it was the right time. Earlier that morning, Naru and Lin were discussing the current staff at SPR but were still waiting to hear back from their colleague. Based on Madoka's report; if any of the scientist's previous work showed poor character Naru would warn Mai. More likely he'd avoid interacting with them all together.

"Masako is correct. However, I'm waiting on Madoka's report of the current testing staff. I didn't wish to alarm you if we weren't going to encounter any unsavory characters, to begin with." Naru stated and sipped his tea.

"Well, I suppose I'll have to keep my wits about me." Mai mumbled praying to break her recent unlucky streak.

"Mai, if you still choose to participate in the test, approved scientists or not, you will be accompanied by myself or someone we both trust. Besides, it's in both of our interests to play it safe when at SPR. Needless to say, some people would do anything in their power to witness the state of my abilities without Gene at my side. I refuse to give them the satisfaction." Naru spat venomously. His eyes seemed distant, giving Mai the impression he had a particular distasteful individual in mind.

"I didn't mean to get so worked up. I should have trusted you'd handle things. It's … just difficult for me to trust something good could happen once in a while." Mai explained and reached for her tea again. Naru knew the feeling well; to this day he struggled with similar emotions with Mai.

"Understandable. This all must be difficult for you to process. I'll give you the space to do so." Naru arose only to feel a small tug on his dress shirt. Looking back Mai recoiled her hand into her lap, immediately blushing.

"Yes?" Naru raised an eyebrow.

"Well… I haven't been sleeping much…. so I was wondering if you'd stay… here… just for a night." Mai asked timidly and Naru could feel his chest flutter. Did she even have the slightest clue what she could do to him?

He chose not to respond that he had noticed her lack of sleep. During her 'house arrest'; Mai only lasted through the first week before she demanded to come in and work at the office. After which she would fall asleep at her desk, Lin or Naru would have to relocate her to one of their office couches. It was clear that though Mai needed her rest; she didn't want to sleep alone.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Naru teased with a smirk, which only seemed to deepen her blush.

"It's ...what I want, but you don't have to say yes because I'm your girlfriend." Mai rebutted as she finished her tea and handed back the teacup. He was about to respond when she shooed him out of the room.

"Well, either way, Naru, I'm going to get washed up. I know you probably have work to do since the office was closed today. Just come in later if it's a yes." Mai gestured for him to exit before she embarrassed herself anymore.

Exhaustion rushed over her like a wave as Mai completed her nightly routine. Lugging around the chunky ton of plastic on her leg provided little relief to her struggle. Once she finally fell into bed she was hoping sleep would arrive just a swiftly.

But then she could hear a twig snap…

...or was it the sound of hard leather hitting her back.

Mai's heart began to accelerate, much the way it did when she was hiding in the brush, praying her breathing was silent. Or plunged into darkness, over and over again.

She couldn't take it.

Mai sat up and placed her hands through her hair and slowly started to rock back and forth trying to calm her heart rate.

'Breathe… I have to calm down…' Mai silently berated. She didn't even notice the door opening.

"Mai…" Naru spoke gently and she raised her head. Naru walked over and sat next to her, but Mai felt too embarrassed to uncoil from her state of panic.

"Is it always like this? Every night?" Naru pried again.

"Not every night, but often enough to keep me awake regularly. What's wrong with me?" Mai muttered, her voice cracking from the well of emotion she was barely keeping at bay.

"You are experiencing the effects of PTSD. Believe it or not, this is a typical side effect of these cases. Especially when triggers are introduced to the survivors. Can you think of anything in this room that is making you anxious or remember what happened?" Naru continued his tone turning clinical.

"The darkness. It makes me remember a lot. Like the room he kept me in or the forest at night. It makes me feel like I need to get away again." Mai revealed and Naru nodded. He moved away to turn on the small lap on the side of her bed and moved towards the door.

"Please… don't close the door. It makes me feel trapped." Mai squeaked but Naru just turned back and nodded. This is when Mai was finally able to get a look at him. He was adorned a black t-shirt and deep blue boxers.

'Oh dear…' Mai thought to herself as the dim glow of the nightlight they kept in the hallway faintly illuminated his figure from behind, creating shadows and contours. Mai was starting to regret all the soft light in the room which made her blush painfully apparent. Naru returned to sit on the bedside looking her over.

"You're very tense." Naru observed bluntly.

"Well my boyfriend is in my bed and I feel like I didn't think the idea of not sleeping alone through. I...just remembered having you near me ...in the hospital made it much easier to sleep, but ever since I've been back here I'm so anxious all the time." Mai confessed throwing her head back and putting a pillow over her eyes.

"Well, Kasai was in our apartment and in your room more specifically. You are likely mentally associating this space with potential danger still. As for your other point, I would never do anything to make you uncomfortable. I am here per your request Mai, and I can leave in much the same fashion." Naru proclaimed, but stood firm, waiting for her response.

"No, please stay. I want you here." Mai crooned and said nothing more. Naru slid under the covers beside her and moved the pillow away from her eyes. They were rimmed with unshed tears and Mai gave her best smile. This attempt was much more heart wrenching then her previous expression.

So he kissed her, moving his hand to massage the base of her neck. It was light and affectionate but most importantly reassuring, something Mai needed desperately at this moment. As always, Naru's actions spoke for him in moments where his words could not. She moved to wrap her arms around his midsection, and he continued to massage the nape of her neck.

"Thank you for everything today." Mai mumbled as Naru hummed in response, continuing his ministrations. He remembered his adopted mother would calm him like this when she found him awake in the Davis library. It was always the place he'd go when his visions kept him from getting sleep.

Mai could feel the tension slowly melt away as she took in his scent. Without even noticing, her eyes grew heavier and heavier as she concentrated on her breathing. It was another long day filled with more excitement than she cared for, but all in all, it was a good one. Before sleep could take her she mumbled a few words that made Naru's heart speed up.

"Thank you. Let me always stay this close to you." Mai whispered so quietly it nearly escaped as simple breath.

Mai's new routine post-graduation was a flurry of doctors visits, ducking from the media, therapy, and worse yet, court dates. Much to Naru's dismay, he could possibly attend to each and every one of Mai's appointments. It was a team effort from all the members of SPR to keep Mai on a steady pace toward normalcy and recovery. However, Naru was currently in charge of her calender and demanded updates after each one of Mai's engagements that he couldn't attend. Mai wondered how he was able to run his business and keep such close tabs on her all the time.

One thing Naru made sure to attend out of all of her appointments was her court dates. Naru took every available opportunity to learn about the two men that left Mai in such terrible conditions. Even though he had yet to see Byakuya in person, the vicious expression Naru gave his defense team made Mai wonder how he would react if they were ever in the same room. She didn't dare think of the chaos that would ensue if Kasai and Naru ever met.

At her latest therapy session, she somehow got on the topic of her fears. She listed the safety of the people she cared about as one of them. Even though she was terrified of reliving anything that had already happened to her, the idea that someone was capable of hurting or killing someone she loved was unbearable.

The discussion hadn't put her in the best mood when she left the session that day. Ayako was her chaperone for the day, and she decided to get her an entirely new wardrobe for her trip to England.

" Ayako I can't wear that." Mai said as the woman held up a tiny tube top.

"Why not?! It's summertime and you're a young lady. Live a little." Ayako shoved it back onto the hanger clearly annoyed.

"This isn't a vacation you know. I'm supposed to be meeting with scientists and testing my abilities in a lab. Don't you think I should dress a little more...I don't know... conservative?" Mai relayed hoping to get her point across.

"You're asking me, a bottle redhead in a leather skirt if I think you should dress conservatively? Let us not forget that this is also a trip where you will be meeting Naru's parents and perhaps even one of his childhood lovers. You can't possibly be caught in something conservative if that happens." Ayako shot back and Mai couldn't help but roll her eyes. The two had driven to a shopping complex further away from the city to avoid being spotted by any news outlets. Even still, Mai couldn't help but look over her shoulder every now and then to the officer who trailed the two women.

"How about this? It's tasteful, but still got a bit of sex appeal. I'm not sure why you hide your curves. I think they're fantastic." Ayako continued complaining while holding up a dress that held a little more to the imagination. Mai nodded her approval and the two continued to wander through the store.

"Let's change the subject for a bit. I know right now it's difficult to see past all the drama, but I've been meaning to ask you what you want?" Ayako interjected and Mai leveled a confused look.

"What I want from the trip to England?" Mai replied hoping to get more details on the question.

"No, beyond that. You've just hit a major milestone in your life. You've gotten into a few universities and your life is changing direction. Do not let outside noise steer you from your personal goals. Especially not your feelings for the boy wonder. You're always so serious when you talk about being able to do things for yourself and being independent. Are you taking steps to ensure that possibility with a solid career too?" Ayako posed again and Mai furrowed her brows in thought.

"I have done some work in that direction, but clearly not enough. I thought it would be an easy choice, but I'm still torn between a few programs I like. My English is improving more and more and I would like to study abroad too. I've never left Japan and the world is so large. I'd miss all of you so much though. My deadlines to make choices aren't for another few weeks. So I'll at least be able to wait until I return to straighten out my plans." Mai reassured hopefully sating Ayako's concerns for now.

"That's good to hear. Hey, what do you think about this one?" Ayako asked holding up the tiniest shorts Mai had ever seen making them both burst out into laughter.

A loud banging came from the door to which a man looked over his glasses and called for the stranger to come in, fully expecting it to be a student for office hours.

"Good evening sir. I hope I'm not intruding." A woman in her with long auburn hair came in wearing a devilish smirk. The man sighed heavily. He already knew how the entire encounter would play out. This was not something that he needed today.

"Ms. Williams, what do I owe the pleasure." The man said flatly placing down the article he was reading.

"My my, what a dull tone. If I didn't know any better I would assume that you weren't excited to see me, Dr. Costa." She replied with coy sweetness.

"Let's cut to the chase, Ms. Williams. You've clearly heard the news and come here to confirm the details." Dr. Costa kept his tone dull and uninterested.

"So then it is true. Young Davis is bringing his latest subject of research in for a bit of testing. This person must be quite interesting for the little doctor to take an interest in them. I wonder what skills they have to offer. Do you know what they look like? What they can do?" wondered aloud as she crept closer to the desk.

"You ask me these questions like you haven't already read the case filed from the Japanese branch. I"m sure you've narrowed it down. Which is why I'm wondering why you've shown up here at all." let his eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"You are correct yet again dear doctor. What I don't understand is why I was not chosen to aid in the testing of this young female. Surely my extensive list of accomplishments and funding I've been able to secure for the society of paranormal research would place me at the top of the list. While there are a few members currently involved with testing with more seniority than me; I'm clearly the most ambitious. So why was I not chosen for this? I have to wonder." thinly veiled her contempt at the slight she was handed down.

". It's no secret that Oliver has detested the methods of you and your father for many years. I only say this because he'd be sure to say it to you in person if he were here. We both know he was never one to mix words." Dr. Costa allowed his irritation with the young woman to finally show.

"I'm truly amazed by how many enemies progress has at this institution. No matter. There are many ways to skin a cat, as they say." shared as she began to make her exit.

"Good day, Ms. Williams." replied slowly, admittedly concerned at what was about to unfold.

"Good day Doctor Costa. And do be careful. I hear a terrible cold is going around." said with a bit of laughter as she exited. Dr. Costa raised his brows slowly looking over at the coffee is assistant brought over not too long before his guest arrived. He quickly reached for the clementine in his desk, hoping that this was all a means of psychological warfare. After all, how could Maria Williams know when Madoka had only called to inform him of his appointment to aid a couple of hours ago. It simply wasn't possible.

Or was it? It was long suspected but never proven, that the young lady possessed some psychic abilities of her own.

tried to calm himself as he felt a small tickle in his throat emerging.

When Mai arrived back to the apartment she threw all the bags onto the floor and collapsed inward, her crutch falling. Naru looked up momentarily from the living room and raised an eyebrow as Ayako trailed in behind with yet more bags.

"I tried to tell her we could make two trips, but she insisted on taking the bags herself. I think it goes into her ear and out the other whenever I remind her that I'm a doctor." Ayako shared walking right over the girl and heading toward her room to place the remaining bags.

"Don't anyone rush to help me up! I totally got it." Mai called sarcastically. By the time Mai was able to push herself upwards on her good foot and pick up her crutches Ayako placed all the bags neatly in her room.

"Now Mai. I know you're leaving in a few days but go through your clothes so we can give away the ones that don't fit you anymore. Well, have a good evening you two! We'll be there to see you off at the airport." Ayako shared as she made her exit.

"I thought I was going shopping, not to the Matsuzaki boot camp! Ugh...I'm exhausted." Mai complained as she made her way over to the kettle to boil some water.

"The water is already hot. Don't burn yourself." Naru informed, but got up anyway, doubting that this would go smoothly in Mai's current state of exhaustion.

"I always forget that you can make your own tea. I'm surprised you don't do it more often." Mai chatted while breezing through their tea bag selection.

"My talents lie elsewhere. I prefer your tea." Naru stated and Mai smiled despite herself. Mai emptied the pot into her cup, heating her leaves of choice.

"What have you been up to today? We clearly disturbed whatever you were reading before we came in." Mai noticed the folders stacked on the coffee table.

"More research on the SPR staff roster and benefactors. Madoka has been trickling me the information as she has been able to receive it." Naru cast a lazy look back toward the living room.

"Why can't she send it all at once? I've seen her send over boxes of information to the office before ." Mai asked sensing Naru's frustration.

"We don't want to alert any undesirables to our movements. Any large information gathering attempts would be too noticeable." Naru explained further.

"I feel like this trip isn't very convenient for you. You have to do all of this extra research, not to mention the costs which you keep hiding from me so I know it must be expensive. I know it's probably too late to cancel anything now, but you could at least let me shoulder some of the burdens. You kept me in the dark all the time makes my head go crazy with the possibilities." Mai reasoned out loud.

Naru considered her skeptical expression for a moment before crossing his arms and shaking his head.

"What good would that do? I know how to handle these things so it's easier for me to just do it." Naru stated plainly and Mai could feel an uptick in her frustration.

"Well is this is a business trip or a personal trip?" Mai inquired, raising an eyebrow in annoyance.

"Easily both." Naru returned without hesitation.

"Well then, from a professional perspective I deserve to know more about the types of tests and procedures I'm likely to undergo before I arrive. Otherwise, I won't be able to prepare or opt-out altogether. On a personal note, I don't want to be in a relationship where I'm only an auxiliary component! We have to plan together or this will never work out. I know you operate on autopilot in that head of yours, but you have to at least give me a clue about what's going on." Mai demanded poking Naru in the chest to make her point. Naru smirked and turned his head to the side making her blush.

"I apologize. I'll consider your opinion more on both fronts." Naru replied softly and Mai yelled out in aggravation.

"You've got some nerve. Whenever I actually want to argue my point you just give in and apologize." Mai grubbled narrowing her eyes at him and he shook his head at her unreasonable tone.

"Would you rather I ignore you and not apologize?" Naru responded sarcastically.

"No. That was just uncharacteristically easy, which to me seems borderline dismissive." Mai uttered before sipping her tea. That was when Naru choose to walk away and rolled his eyes.

"Well then after you finish putting away all these bags; I'll show you some of the staff profiles and research I've been reviewing." Naru settled retreating back to the living room. Mai finished her tea and did exactly as Naru suggested. It was interesting, to say the least, the kinds of experiments that took place at SPR. Mai understood paranormal studies to be such a small section of science, but it varied so largely. There were reports on everything from genetic mutation to space rocks all the way over to ectoplasm and brainwaves involvement in sleep paralysis. Mai found everything extremely fascinating she'd completely forgotten Naru was in the room. Otherwise, she would have noticed the soft eyes he'd been analyzing her with.

While Mai continued to look over the report, Naru had already developed the profiles he needed to navigate the situation in England. It was only a few days away and he hoped that he wouldn't be bringing Mai from one stressful environment to another.

"Hey Naru." Mai spoke completely taking Naru out of his personal musings.

"Yes Mai."

"Have...you been keeping a log of my powers? Like..keeping notes on me?" Mai asked suspiciously.

"I have profiles for all the members of our branch of SPR, but none of them include your name or personal information. However, if someone were to gain access to the profiles of our team members and met all of you they would be able to deduce your identity based on your physical description. It's a contractual obligation for working at SPR or did you not read the work contract you signed when you started working for me?" Naru responded teasingly.

"Oh, you must be referring to the indentured servitude I did on our first case. No, I don't believe I was contracted at that time." Mai returned sharply.

"Well, either way, it works both ways. All logs and profiles must be signed out with the SPR staff library. Theoretically, you could also know who has been reading up on you as well." Naru shared conclusively.

"So do all these people know that you've been reading up on them?" Mai pushed further paling at the large number of folders decorating the table.

"No. Madoka checked them out and since she is currently working on multiple cases for the official archives I won't be noticed. I would never be so careless." Naru relayed not batting an eye on his obviously malicious maneuvering.

"What makes you think you're the only one who's taken advantage of this loophole?" Mai countered.

"I'm positive others have used it as well, but it will narrow down our list of potential threats to the upper echelons. It's easier to combat those with more to lose within the society anyway." Naru spoke darkly. Mai chose to leave her interrogation at that and retreated back into her room to make sense of the mayhem before it was time for bed.

Thank you for all the comments and well wishes. The story continues...